The secret lives of Vietnam's Catholic mothers

Father James Hoang Quan, pastor of Trieu Son parish in Thua Thien Hue province, said most Catholic women who marry non-Christians, and live in houses of their parents-in-law, run into difficulties over religious practice and education. Father Quan said patriarchy still predominates in many families where women are considered to belong to their husbands’ families and are expected to obey family norms after marrying. Their children are often taught to follow the husband’s religion. He said these women need advice and encouragement from their co-religionists.